Last night we went to a town meeting of sorts. I love town meetings! We used to go to them when we lived in our tiny town in Maine and I always felt such a part of something, so included and optimistic. I love gathering with my neighbors to discuss and make my voice heard, even if the only statement I make is merely by being present. And often just being a warm body in a seat is plenty of statement, expressing solidarity, camaraderie and engagement.
So, yesterday we got a flier on our door stating that there would be a Historic Preservation Open House the next night. Our neighborhood was being considered for listing on the National Register of Historic Places! Maybe I'm just a geek, but I think that's so exciting. At the meeting we discovered that while a whole area could be designated, certain buildings would be listed as "contributing buildings," meaning you add to the historic significance rather than detract. I was holding my breath until we could look at the map and see if we were one! And we were! I felt like I'd won a prize, like I should get some sort of present or something. It was all very exciting.
The funny thing is, being from New England, houses that are under 100 years old (ours is only 85) just seem like baby houses to me, practically new developments! So, it's funny to see our little brick bungalow called "historic." But they gave a great lecture about the development of the area and how the public transportation system, the war, and various periods and styles of development all affected it. Even styles that don't look like much to me, like those plain, postwar ones or even ours, are still significant because of the time period and zeitgeist they represent. All in all it was a fun evening, enjoyable to mingle with our neighbors (we saw plenty of friendly faces), learn about the history of our neighborhood and just to feel a part of something bigger than ourselves.
PPS These photos in no way represent our district, these were just so much more charming:) Perhaps in another 85 years our neighborhood will elicit the same feelings as these do. Photos from here and here.
